How To Train A Stubborn Puppy Using Positive Reinforcement

Training a stubborn puppy can feel like an uphill battle—especially when treats are ignored, commands are dismissed, and your pup seems determined to do the exact opposite of what you ask. But resistance isn’t rebellion. Stubbornness in puppies often stems from confusion, overstimulation, or lack of motivation—not defiance. The key lies not in correction, but in connection. Positive reinforcement doesn’t just shape behavior; it builds confidence, strengthens your bond, and turns training into a shared language between you and your dog.

Unlike punishment-based methods that suppress behavior through fear or discomfort, positive reinforcement encourages desired actions by rewarding them. This approach is supported by decades of animal behavior research and is endorsed by leading veterinary associations, including the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB). When applied consistently, it transforms even the most headstrong pups into attentive, cooperative companions.

Understanding Puppy \"Stubbornness\"

The term “stubborn” is often misapplied to puppies who simply aren’t motivated, distracted, or haven’t yet learned what’s expected. A puppy ignoring a sit command might not be refusing—it might not understand the cue, could be overwhelmed by its environment, or may not find the reward compelling enough to respond.

Dogs learn through consequences: behaviors that lead to positive outcomes tend to be repeated. If sitting gets ignored but jumping on guests earns attention (even scolding), jumping becomes reinforced. That’s why redirecting unwanted behavior with rewards for better choices is far more effective than yelling or physical corrections.

Early socialization plays a critical role. Puppies under 16 weeks are in a sensitive learning phase. What they experience now shapes their adult temperament. A well-socialized puppy exposed to new people, sounds, and surfaces is less likely to shut down during training due to fear or anxiety—common roots of apparent stubbornness.

Tip: Never label your puppy as “stubborn” out loud—your tone and energy affect their confidence. Instead, reframe challenges as opportunities to adjust your method.

The Science Behind Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement works because it taps into a dog’s natural motivation system. When a behavior is immediately followed by something valuable—a treat, toy, or praise—the brain links the action with reward. Over time, this creates reliable responses.

Dr. Sophia Yin, a renowned veterinarian and animal behaviorist, emphasized that “animals repeat behaviors that are rewarded.” In her clinical work, she demonstrated that even aggressive or fearful dogs responded faster and more sustainably to reward-based training than to dominance-based tactics.

“Reward-based training doesn’t spoil dogs—it clarifies expectations. Dogs want to cooperate when they know how.” — Dr. Ian Dunbar, Veterinarian and Dog Training Pioneer

The timing of the reward is crucial. To strengthen the connection between behavior and consequence, deliver the reward within one to two seconds of the desired action. Use high-value treats (like small pieces of chicken or cheese) during early training, then gradually shift to lower-value rewards as the behavior becomes consistent.

How Rewards Shape Behavior

Shaping is a powerful technique where you reward successive approximations of a target behavior. For example, if your puppy won’t sit:

1. Reward any downward movement of the rear.
2. Then only reward when the bottom touches the ground.
3. Finally, add the verbal cue “sit” just before the action occurs.

This method allows you to build complex behaviors step by step, which is especially helpful for puppies who seem unresponsive to direct commands.

Step-by-Step Guide to Training a Stubborn Puppy

Follow this structured approach to turn resistance into responsiveness. Consistency, patience, and clear communication are essential.

Step 1: Choose High-Value Rewards

Not all treats are created equal. Observe what motivates your puppy most. Some prefer food, others love squeaky toys or belly rubs. Use the highest-value reward during training sessions, then phase in lower-value ones as reliability improves.

Step 2: Eliminate Distractions

Begin training in a quiet, familiar space—like a bedroom or enclosed patio. Avoid busy areas until your puppy responds reliably. Gradually increase distractions as skills improve.

Step 3: Keep Sessions Short and Frequent

Puppies have short attention spans. Aim for five-minute sessions, 3–5 times a day. End on a success—even if it means simplifying the task—to keep motivation high.

Step 4: Use Clear Cues and Body Language

Pair verbal cues (“sit,” “come”) with consistent hand signals. Say the word once, then wait. If no response within three seconds, gently guide the behavior (e.g., lure with a treat) and reward immediately upon completion.

Step 5: Reinforce Success Immediately

Timing matters. Clicker training can help. Press the clicker the instant your puppy performs the correct behavior, then follow with a treat. This marks the exact moment you’re rewarding.

Step 6: Practice Real-World Application

Once your puppy masters a command at home, practice in slightly more challenging environments: the backyard, driveway, sidewalk, and eventually parks. Each new location is a fresh learning opportunity.

Step 7: Fade Lures and Prompts

If you’ve used a treat to lure a sit, begin showing the treat, then close your hand and give the verbal cue. Reward only when your puppy responds without the visual lure. This prevents dependency on prompts.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even with positive reinforcement, setbacks occur. Here’s how to handle frequent issues:

• Ignoring commands: Your reward may not be motivating enough. Try higher-value treats or switch to play-based rewards.
• Partial compliance: Your puppy sits but jumps up immediately. Reward only when they stay seated for at least three seconds. Gradually increase duration.
• Selective hearing: Common outdoors. Build reliability by practicing recall with a long leash in a secure area. Reward enthusiastically every time they come.
• Overexcitement: If your puppy is too stimulated to focus, move to a quieter area or wait for a calmer moment. Never train during peak excitement (e.g., right after playtime).

Tip: If your puppy walks away mid-session, calmly end the training. Resume later. Don’t chase or force engagement—this undermines trust.

Do’s and Don’ts of Positive Reinforcement Training

Do	Don't
Use immediate, consistent rewards	Delay rewards or reward inconsistently
Keep sessions fun and upbeat	Force repetitions or continue past disinterest
Practice in low-distraction environments first	Expect perfect obedience in chaotic settings
End on a positive note	End with failure or frustration
Gradually reduce treats as behavior solidifies	Stop all rewards entirely—intermittent reinforcement maintains behavior long-term

Mini Case Study: Turning Around a Stubborn Rescue Pup

Max, a 12-week-old terrier mix adopted from a shelter, refused to respond to basic cues. He’d sniff the ground during training, bolt when called, and ignore treats. His owner, Sarah, was frustrated and considering giving up.

A certified trainer assessed Max and found he wasn’t stubborn—he was anxious. His early life lacked structure, and he hadn’t learned to associate humans with safety. The trainer advised switching from kibble to boiled chicken, reducing session length to two minutes, and avoiding eye contact (which Max perceived as threatening).

Within two weeks, Max began offering eye contact voluntarily. By week four, he responded to “sit” 80% of the time. At eight weeks, he mastered recall in the backyard using a long leash and high-value rewards. Today, Max walks politely on a leash and greets visitors calmly.

The turning point wasn’t discipline—it was understanding. Max needed time, the right motivators, and a safe space to learn.

Essential Training Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you're setting yourself and your puppy up for success:

• ✅ Identify your puppy’s top 3 favorite rewards (food, toy, affection)
• ✅ Schedule 5 short training sessions per day
• ✅ Train in a quiet, distraction-free zone
• ✅ Use a consistent verbal cue paired with a hand signal
• ✅ Reward immediately after correct behavior
• ✅ End each session with a success
• ✅ Gradually introduce distractions as skills improve
• ✅ Practice recall daily with a long leash in a secure area
• ✅ Avoid punishment or physical corrections
• ✅ Track progress in a simple journal (e.g., “Sat 4/5 times today”)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can positive reinforcement work for strong-willed breeds like Huskies or Bulldogs?

Absolutely. Breeds known for independence often respond exceptionally well to reward-based training because it respects their autonomy. The key is finding what motivates them—some working breeds respond best to game-like challenges or puzzle toys rather than food.

What if my puppy gets overly excited by treats and starts jumping or biting?

This is common. Switch to smaller, softer treats that can be eaten quickly. Teach a “wait” cue before delivering the reward. If mouthing occurs, end the session calmly and try again later. Never wave treats near your puppy’s face—hold them still near the nose to encourage calm targeting.

Do I have to use treats forever?

No. Once a behavior is reliable, transition to intermittent reinforcement—rewarding the behavior only occasionally. This makes the behavior more resistant to extinction. You’ll also begin replacing food rewards with life rewards: “Sit” before going through the door, then the act of walking through becomes the reward.

Conclusion: Patience, Persistence, and Positivity

Training a stubborn puppy isn’t about winning a power struggle—it’s about guiding a young animal through a complex world with kindness and clarity. Positive reinforcement isn’t permissive; it’s purposeful. It demands consistency, observation, and emotional regulation from the human, not just the dog.

Every puppy has the capacity to learn. What looks like defiance is usually a cry for clearer communication. When you meet your puppy with patience, adapt your methods, and celebrate small wins, you’re not just teaching commands—you’re building trust that lasts a lifetime.

🚀 Start today: Pick one behavior—like “sit” or “come”—and practice five two-minute sessions using high-value rewards. Track your progress and watch the connection grow. Share your journey in the comments—we’d love to hear your story!